Martin struck career-best form in 2014, playing the past 11 matches, after receiving a lifeline due to serious injuries to Matthew Leuenberger and Trent West.

The former Melbourne ruck-forward has been plagued by injuries in a seven-season career that has reaped just 73 games.

"It's a credit to Stef. He's had a breakout year - well, a breakout 10 games since the halfway mark - so well done and we're rapt to have him," Leppitsch said.

"If he can play as well as he has for the past eight weeks (next season), he would be in All-Australian contention."

Martin signed a two-year deal to keep him at the Gabba until the end of the 2016 season.

"Earlier this year, we all thought Stef's career was at a crossroads and Stef himself acknowledged his recall as his 'last chance', but he really has earned this new deal and has transformed himself into arguably one of the best ruckman in the competition this season," said Lions football manager Dean Warren.